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Saving Money on Closers

After the elite-tier options, Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman, and Kenley Jansen, are off the board, owners can find value with several Relief Pitchers in 2015. Owners will be able to buy these closers for $16-20 or draft them a few rounds after the elite options are off the board.

Steve Cishek's 39 saves in 2014 places him at the top of the second-tier, but his 3.17 ERA may scare some owners away in 2015. He raised his K/9 to 11.6 in 2014, even though his GB% dropped to 46%, which was down from 55% in 2013. Owners can take comfort in knowing that Miami should win more games in 2015, and Cishek's ERA should normalize to below 3.00 after having a .331 BABIP and a 2.14 FIP last year. Cishek will strike out a batter an inning this year, and he could raise GB% in 2015. He has saved more than 92% of his games over the last two seasons, and owners that invest in him will receive 30 or more saves this year.

Cody Allen leads a bullpen that will benefit from an improved staff this year. Kluber, Salazar, and Carrasco should keep the Indians in more games, and Allen should close the door on teams again this year. His .266 BABIP will regress to the norm so owners should expect an ERA higher than last year's 2.07, but he could fight against that regression with fewer walks in 2015. He walked 26 batters in 69 IP, which shows in his 3.02 FIP. Owners can draft Allen at a cheaper price, and they will walk away with 30-35 saves this year.

Glen Perkins went higher in drafts in 2014, but owners should find value in the lefty this year. He has saved 70 games since 2013, and his 9.6 K/9 should hold strong this year. His .316 BABIP from 2014 could fall a bit to create a buying opportunity for owners. Perkins' ability to give up the free pass, only 11 in 61 innings last year, will serve him well in 2015. His strikeout rate and opportunities should lead to 30 saves again this year, which will come at a cheaper price. Double-check on Perkins' health during spring training before drafting him on a team.

Owners can feel comfortable drafting these three closers after the elite-options are off the board in 2015. Cishek, Allen, and Perkins should turn a profit for owners in need of saves this year.